April 29, 2013
Jesus made two statements that refine our understanding of this proverb. He said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matt.7:13). Then, describing this “narrow” way, he said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no man comes to Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is a worldly highway jammed with traffic that seems right since “everyone else is doing it,” but it leads to death. Only a few follow the narrow path winding past the hill Golgotha and the empty tomb as they follow the risen Lord Jesus. Yet, those who do find rest at the end of the road.
April 28, 2013
The curtain that separated the holy of holies in the Jewish temple was torn when Jesus died. Only the high priest was allowed to go behind the curtain on the Day of Atonement. But now, Jesus has become our Great High Priest, opening up the way for all who are in Him to have access to the Father. And so, we can approach God with confidence, praying in the Name of Jesus, for the curtain that separated sinful man from a holy God has been removed.
April 27, 2013
This was what Jesus promised the thief on the cross next to Him. Much can be learned from this promise. The simplicity of the thief’s confession: “Jesus, remember me…” is startling. Can it really be so simple? And the immediacy of Christ’s response: “Today you will be with me…” is equally amazing. Jesus accepts the thief as one of His own without interview or resume. He tells him that from now on, starting today, you’ll be with Me.
April 26, 2013
This was Gideon’s response to the angel of the Lord who commissioned him to do battle with the Midianites– “I’m too little.” Isn’t that what we always feel when God calls? Because God doesn’t ask us to do something we can do. He always asks God-sized things of us. Attempting great things for God requires total dependence on Him and results in greater glory for God. God loves taking the little guy to slay a giant. What are you involved in that if God doesn’t act, it will totally fail? What God-sized callings are you answering? Stop living little lives. Listen for God’s big calling.
April 25, 2013
Both the humanity and divinity of Jesus are seen in this prayer. His humanity in his desire to avoid suffering and death. His divinity in his obedience to the Father to lay down his life for our sin. That Jesus is both Son of God and Son of Man is seen, but also a new way of praying. Praying like Jesus, we not only express our desires to God, but we invite God to realign our will with His.
April 24, 2013
This is what Jesus told Peter the night before he denied him three times. He told Peter this so that he wouldn’t become so discouraged as to give up. And also so that Peter would recover and “strengthen” his brothers. What strikes me most is that the night before Jesus is crucified, he is thinking and praying for Peter’s faith. He prayed that Peter’s faith would survive the trial and crucifixion. People pray for that which they care most. Jesus prayed for Peter. I wonder for whom else Jesus prays?
April 23, 2013
Understanding that our days are numbered can motivate us to live life with a sense of urgent importance. ‘Urgent’ – because putting off till tomorrow means eventually running out of tomorrows. If the Lord has put it on your heart, then do it now! And ‘important’ – because we often fill our days with unimportant things. Prayerfully consider what is most important, then focus on those things every day. This is not a morbid state of mind, being aware of your limited days. This is wisdom, not wasting the time God has given you on planet earth. Don’t waste your life!
April 22, 2013
As long as there were elders living in Israel that remembered the Lord, there was peace and prosperity in the land. But when the last of these elders passed, the era of the Judges began, a time when the people forgot the Lord and lived according to their own way. How does a nation, family, or church retain the memory of God’s blessing from one generation to another, so that they don’t stray from God?
April 21, 2013
All of the promises that God gave the Israelites while in the wilderness were finally realized. The people weren’t always faithful, but God was. What promises of God are you believing during these uncertain times? Do not despair. All of His good promises will come to pass.
April 20, 2013
All of the promises that God gave the Israelites while in the wilderness were finally realized. The people weren’t always faithful, but God was. What promises of God are you believing during these uncertain times? Do not despair. All of His good promises will come to pass.